BechdelTest is an AI-powered Bechdel Test checker and movie database that lets users instantly analyze films and screenplay excerpts for female representation.
What is BechdelTest?
BechdelTest is an online tool that checks whether movies or scripts pass the Bechdel Test, a three-criteria benchmark for female representation in film. Users can either search for a movie title in the database or paste a screenplay excerpt directly into the tool. The platform runs in any web browser and includes a community-driven database of thousands of films with ratings, discussions, and statistics. Try the movie checker at https://www.bechdeltest.org/bechdeltest/movies or analyze scripts at https://www.bechdeltest.org/bechdeltest/scripts.
Key Features
- Movie database search – Search among thousands of films with verified Bechdel Test ratings, release years, genres, and community discussions.
- Script analysis – Paste any screenplay excerpt to instantly evaluate whether it meets the three criteria.
- Advanced search & filters – Filter films by rating (pass/fail/disputed), genre, decade, or country to identify trends.
- Community ratings & comments – Read and contribute to user-submitted ratings and discussions for each film.
- Bechdel Test statistics – Explore data visualizations showing representation trends over time, by genre, and across film industries.
- Developer API – Access film ratings, statistics, and search functionality programmatically for integration into other projects.
- Social sharing – Share film ratings and insights directly to social media to spark conversations.
Who is it for?
- Film enthusiasts – Quickly check whether a movie passes the Bechdel Test before watching or discussing it.
- Students and researchers – Analyze gender representation trends across decades, genres, or countries using the statistics and filters.
- Screenwriters and filmmakers – Test a script excerpt to ensure their work meets the basic benchmark for female representation.
- Educators – Use the database and community discussions as a teaching tool for media literacy and gender studies.
What can you do with BechdelTest?
- Check any movie's rating – Enter a title to see whether the film passes or fails the Bechdel Test, along with community reasoning.
- Submit your own ratings – Add a film not yet in the database by evaluating it against the three criteria and submitting your rating.
- Explore trends – Use the statistics and filters to see how female representation has changed over time or differs by genre.
- Integrate with your projects – Use the developer API to pull Bechdel Test data into your own apps or research.
How does BechdelTest work?
To use BechdelTest, enter a movie title in the search bar or paste a script excerpt into the text field, then click "Analyze Now". The tool checks the input against the three Bechdel criteria. For movies already in the database, it displays the community rating and discussion. For new scripts or unrated films, users can submit their own evaluation. The site uses Cloudflare Turnstile verification to prevent abuse.
FAQ
What are the three Bechdel Test criteria?
A film passes the Bechdel Test if it features at least two named women who have a conversation with each other about something other than a man.
Who created the Bechdel Test?
The test was created by American cartoonist Alison Bechdel in 1985 and first appeared in her comic strip 'Dykes to Watch Out For'.
Does passing the test mean a film is feminist?
No. Passing the Bechdel Test is a minimal measure of representation, not a comprehensive evaluation of a film's gender politics. Failing does not necessarily mean a film is sexist.
How accurate are the ratings on this site?
Ratings are submitted and verified by the community. While the site strives for accuracy, ratings can sometimes be disputed, and users are encouraged to discuss and review each other's assessments.
How many films are in the database?
The database contains thousands of films from around the world, ranging from classic Hollywood to international cinema and recent releases. New films are added daily by the community.
